Julie Hardy

Julie Hardy made a strong impression with her recording debut, A Moment's Glance. She grew up in Fremont, NH. Hardy began studying classical piano when she was nine and started out as a piano major at the University of New Hampshire. But she had sung frequently as a child, including performing at a variety show when she was 11, so by the time she graduated in 1999 with a degree in music theory and composition, she was a singer. <a href="spotify:artist:0ZqhrTXYPA9DZR527ZnFdO">Wayne Shorter</a>'s album Speak No Evil had a major effect on her music. She also earned a master's degree in jazz performance from the New England Conservatory in 2001, studying with <a href="spotify:artist:4OGH6jkg7w04bn3GubDNsi">Dominique Eade</a> and working on composing wordless melodies. Hardy attended the Jazz Academy Snowmass in Aspen, CO, and <a href="spotify:artist:6HB1MchEEMg40EisSJuenZ">Betty Carter</a>'s Jazz Ahead, the latter a program for young jazz composers. In June 2003 she moved to New York, and within four days was recording A Moment's Glance. It was released by Fresh Sound New Talent, the label's first release by an American singer. Hardy, who has been inspired by the music and improvising of <a href="spotify:artist:7w7DFqQNjVMW5NRvjM8JPx">Fred Hersch</a> in addition to <a href="spotify:artist:0ZqhrTXYPA9DZR527ZnFdO">Wayne Shorter</a>, became engaged to pianist Randy Ingram. She has recorded a second CD, The Wish, for the World Culture label and works regularly in New York area clubs. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi